Transparency Last updated or reviewed on September 14, 2026 Asheville Police Department Transparency and Data The Asheville Police Department is dedicated to being open and honest with the people of Asheville. We believe in sharing our data so that everyone can see how the department works. By providing this information, we give you the tools to learn more about how law enforcement operates in our city. Sharing this data helps build trust and a better understanding between community members and the police department. Public Transparency Dashboard The Asheville Police Department (APD) provides data dashboards for the community to learn more about current and historical crime conditions in our community. Access the Data Data dashboards are located on the Public Transparency Dashboard page, which includes: Crime Summary Dashboard: View summaries of current crime trends within the city. Crime Trends Dashboard: View historical and current crime patterns within the city. Traffic Stops Dashboard: Analyze data regarding police traffic stops, including demographic breakdowns. Gun Discharge Dashboard: Track incidents involving the discharge of firearms within city limits. Response to Resistance: View Data and graphs regarding officer interactions where force was used or displayed. Note: We are currently in the process of updating this dashboard to further improve its accessibility and user experience. Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) Dashboards The Asheville Police Department utilizes Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to enhance public safety and investigative capabilities. ALPR technology helps law enforcement agencies solve crimes, locate at-risk individuals, and enhance public safety while adhering to policies that ensure responsible data use and privacy protections. Axon In-Car ALPR System We use the Axon ALPR system, which integrates with in-car camera systems and provides real-time plate recognition and alerts directly to officers in the field. This system aids in identifying stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, and missing persons efficiently. Open the Axon ALPR Transparency Dashboard to view policies and usage statistics so that you may understand how this technology is used to help keep your community safer. GIS Data Disclaimer The City of Asheville provides Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data “as is” to support public service and internal functions. Suitability: Data may not be suitable for all purposes or uses. Warranty: All GIS data sets are provided with no warranty. Verification: Users should consult primary sources, such as recorded deeds and plats, to verify accuracy. Responsibility: Users are responsible for verifying information before making decisions or taking action. Additional Crime Mapping Tools Local mapping tools View NC Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Statistics: Search any address within city limits to find localized crime statistics within a radius of 1/8 mile to 1 mile. Explore the LexisNexis Community Crime Map: An interactive map featuring “heat maps” of local trends and the ability to sign up for automated neighborhood crime alerts. View the Asheville Open Data Portal: Access and download raw crime data in Excel, KML, or Shapefile formats for independent research. State and Federal Reporting Resources View North Carolina Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Statistics: State-level statistics including age, race, and sex of persons arrested (excluding traffic violations). Explore the FBI Crime Data Explorer (CDE): A national platform offering interactive visualizations and large-scale data downloads. View FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) Details: Granular details on individual incidents, including victim-offender relationships and demographics. Read the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program Overview: The national standard for tracking long-term crime trends across the United States. Department Policies and Directives We make our operational standards available for public review. Browse APD Policies Online Request an Unlisted Policy: If a specific policy is not listed online, please email Public Information Officer Samantha Booth at sbooth@ashevillenc.gov. Tips for Reading Policy Documents To assist with clarity and accessibility, please note the following formatting conventions: Numbers in brackets, such as [1.1.1] or [1.6], refer to standards for the department’s accreditation processes. Links within policy PDFs to other internal documents will only work for department employees. Text in blue helps department members understand what changed from a previous version. CALEA Public Comment Portal The APD participates in the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) to ensure we meet high professional standards. We invite you to provide feedback via the CALEA portal. Submit Feedback via the CALEA Public Comment Portal. View CALEA Accreditation Standards Portal Guidelines What to Share: Commendations or concerns regarding our professional standards and community engagement. What Not to Share: Do not use this portal to report crimes or file legal complaints. CALEA does not investigate specific incidents of misconduct. Responses: You will receive an automated receipt; however, CALEA does not provide personal replies. Internal Affairs Statistics Each year, the department shares a statistical summary about complaints the department’s internal affairs office investigated. View the 2025 statistical summary.
